Dear Valued Members and Stakeholders,
As we enter a new year full of hope and possibility, I am happy to share with you some of our accomplishments and a few of the projects that we are working on in 2025.
First and foremost, we are proud to announce that the Fund has been recognized as one of the 2025 National Capital Region’s Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada. This prestigious award highlights our dedication to workplace excellence, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for our employees. This recognition affirms our commitment to creating a supportive environment where our employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute to meaningful change.
Engagement with communities and stakeholders remains a priority. In January we hosted two highly attended webinars facilitated by Cree8ive Advisory, to explore critical topics such as:
- Feedback on a new membership model,
- The transfer of care and control of the Fund, and
- Future products and services that align with community needs.
These sessions received remarkable participation, showcasing the shared enthusiasm for shaping the Fund’s future. I look forward to sharing our findings with you soon.
In February, the Fund participated in the AFOA National Conference, delivering a well-attended session on Leadership & Governance: Empowering Future Generations Through On-Reserve Homeownership. This session underscored the vital role homeownership plays in strengthening communities and fostering long-term sustainability. The engagement and feedback we received from participants reaffirm the importance of our work and will help shape our future initiatives.
As we continue to grow and strengthen our governance, the Fund’s Board of Trustees is seeking qualified First Nations leaders and visionaries to recommend for appointment as Trustees. We are looking for individuals with strong capacity in First Nations housing, finance, investments, governance, and organizational development. The current vacancy that we are seeking to fill is for a Trustee located in Western Canada, ideally with First Nation government/housing experience. The deadline for submissions was April 11, 2025, and we are currently reviewing applications.
Every April, we are excited to gather for our Strategic Planning Session. This year, it was held at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, where we both staff and Trustees came together to collaborate on the Fund’s future direction. This planning session is an opportunity to align our collective vision, hear from subject matter experts and set the course for the years ahead.
These milestones reflect the dedication and passion of our team, partners, and communities. As we move forward, we remain committed to empowering First Nations to achieve greater housing outcomes, fostering stronger communities, and creating a legacy of sustainability and prosperity.
Wishing you all the best in 2025.
Travis Seymour, FCPA, FCGA, MBA, CAFM
CEO, First Nations Market Housing Fund